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FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.
506 WE understand that the Chertsey health authority havej requested Mr. Birch, C.E., to make a survey of Bagshot, and prepare a report of its sanitary condition. It will be! remembered that the district was visited by our Sanitary Commission some few months ago, when, although its very great natural advantages were described at length, theI sanitary defects existing in the town itself were fully
authorities, and of these 371 only
were veterinary surgeons mentioned whether is not they were all qualified), 1021 (it 11 314 appeared to have possessed were officers of police, and Without inquiring no special qualification for the office." whether the police officers themselves possessed any special qualification, we may point out that less than one-fourth of the total number of inspectors were veterinary surgeons; and when we know that these are generally only called in pointed out. now and again to verify the existence of certain contagious DURING the past month no less than five ships have, diseases, and have, as a rule, nothing to do with tracing arrived in the Thames with cases of scurvy on board, and the history of these, nor advising as to their suppression, seven or eight of the victims have been admitted into the we need not be surprised that this malady in particular is Seamen’s Hospital. The medical inspector of the Board of just as active, and as free to spread, as if we had no Veteri. Trade has, by direction of the Marine Department, held nary Department and no inspectors. official inquiries in three of these cases, but the result has It appears to be imagined that anyone can perform the not yet been published. duties of an inspector, and that, as the police are already in pay, and their duties are not particularly heavy, they WE hear that cholera has broken out in the European might as well have this work thrown on them. We need camp at Delhi. It is, however, of a mild type, and it is scarcely say that a greater mistake could not be made. It confidently hoped that it will have disappeared long before requires well-trained and thoroughly competent veteri. the assembling of the troops forming a large part of our narians to perform the functions of an inspector efficiently; Indian army who are to meet the Prince of Wales outside the for not only have these subtle maladies to be thoroughly walls of the historic city. stamped out wherever and whenever they appear, but their IN the Athenceum for September 18th will be found an invasion or re-introduction has to be guarded against, and interesting article by Mr. Thoms on the Tring centenarian. their mode of access closely watched. Indeed, from what Mr. Thoms strives to demolish the evidence offered by Sir we know of these contagious diseases, and from what we Duncan Gibb in our columns towards establishing the see of the trade in animals and the manner in which it is conducted, we are convinced that nothing beneficial can be great age of Elizabeth Leathurlund. done until veterinary surgeons-and the very best of themA YOUNG gentleman has been prosecuted by the Colemine are appointed to take charge of districts at a liberal salary, Board of Guardians for exposing himself while convalescent with the view of protecting the public from the ravages of from searlatina. The Board deserves much credit for ap- these scourges. The attempts now made in this direction would be amusing were the results not so painfully serious. plying the law in this case. The Veterinary Department of the Privy Council must be IT is stated that the sanitary advisers of the Government roused up from its supineness and apathy, and made to see of India have recommended that Simla be abandoned for that its existence depends on its usefulness. Hitherto it has been of very little service to the country; it leaves three years on account of its unhealthiness. everything to the local authorities, and the majority of WE are requested by Mr. Cripps, of Cirencester, to say these either know or care little about the matter, or try to that it was the Weymouth Sanitarium to which he alluded get the work of inspection done for next to nothing. in his letter published in our columns last week. In the as the reforms which are so ,
’
’
-
-
meantime,
FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. THE reports relative to the foot-and-mouth disease show that it has abated nothing of its virulence, and that it is widely prevalent in England and Scotland, causing great inconvenience and immense loss, and in many districts leading to the suppression of cattle-shows. It is not likely that it will be much diminished in prevalence for some time to come, and if we could arrive at anything like a correct estimate of the loss it has caused this year, we should probably find that it amounted to more than a million at the very least. In our previous article on the subject, we alluded to the principal causes which are in operation in extending this purely contagious malady, and we pointed out that the system of inspection-if such a designation can be applied where there is no system-is of very little value, inasmuch as the principal sanitary inspectors are the police-men no doubt worthy of reliance in their own special sphere, but neither by their knowledge nor training fit to be entrusted with the control or suppression of contagious diseases, either human or animal. The Annual Report of the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council for 1874 fully corroborates our statement in this particular, as we are informed that on the 31st December last there were 1706 inspectors holding appointments under the locali
likely
urgently
to be instituted until more millions of pounds are lost, it may be useful to indicate what should be done in the way of prevention or cure by those whose stock is menaced or already invaded by this 11 foot-andmouth" complaint. These indications we will summarise from Mr. Fleming’s 11 Manual of Veterinary Sanitary Science and Police." Newly-purchased animals, and especially those which have been exposed at fairs or markets, or travelled by boat or rail, should be quarantined in some convenient place apart from other stock, and no communication should take place between them for at least six days. Forage from infected districts should be interdicted, unless it is proved that it cannot possibly be tainted; and no persons or articles from infected stables or pastures should be allowed to go near healthy animals. As a rule, few animal diseases are more amenable to treatment, and still fewer exemplify the beneficial effects of hygienic measures, than this. When it has appeared, the sick animals, if at pasture, should be housed and allowed to stand on some soft material, such as sawdust. If they cannot be sheltered, then they ought to be put on firm grass land. Soft succulent food, mashes and nourishing gruel, must be the diet while the mouth is sore, and bran gruel, or water slightly acidulated, given to drink. If the fever runs high or constipation is present, treacle, Epsom salts, or common salt may be gently administered. Laving the mouth in cold water (which may be slightly acidulated) is grateful when
required
are
not
507 the eruption is slight, but when the erosions are extensive and painful, gargles of vinegar-and-water, hydrochloric acid, honey-and-water, or a weak solution of tannic or gallic acid (one ounce to the gallon) are necessary. Lime-water is a good dressing when the ulcers are deep. When the feet are affected, and even before they are involved, they may be dressed with carbolised glycerine, a weak solution of carbolic acid, or any mild astringent. It is frequently very beneficial to send the animals into a shallow running stream to bathe their feet; but when these are affected, it is better, as a rule, to allow the animals to rest as much as possible. When suppuration occurs beneath the hoof, or the feet are severely involved, it is advisable to procure the services of a
veterinary
surgeon.
Great cleanliness and thorough disinfection must be advocated, both during the prevalence of the disease and after it has disappeared. In many farms and cowsheds theactive germs of the malady are allowed to remain, and cause repeated outbreaks. But, we repeat, the therapeutical treatment of the disease is altogether a secondary affair ; its prevention and absolute extinction are what we must insist upon ; and the matter is now assuming such a grave aspect, both in a pecuniary and sanitary point of view, that we feel convinced that nothing less than an efficient organisation to effect this object, and to stamp out other serious animal contagions, will now satisfy the public. The present temporising policy with regard to these destructive pestilences has been tried for now nearly ten years, and has proved notoriously useless. It is high time a common-sense view was taken of the matter, and measures adopted which would relieve us from these heavy annual losses and panics.
THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE DUTCH WAR AGAINST ATCHEEN IN 1873. (Concluded from
page
453.)
Sanitary Experiences of the Expedition. THE
of clearing water was rejected, purification by sesquichloride of iron and bicarbonate of soda being substias a means
tuted. In clothing and equipment there is much room for improvement. The use of sun-covers to the ordinary head-dress is much to be condemned, since the back piece hanging down obstructs the air and heats the back of the neck, besides which, from being too broad and too long, they enclose the ears, and the words of command are not heard. For this reason many of the men put up the back pieces. For
service such as this wicker helmets should invariably be procured. The haversack was also a great hindrance, since by swinging to and fro it impeded the man’s progress ; and it is only fair that when engaged against an unencumbered enemy, as here, the men should be relieved of all impediments, carrying only their weapons and ammunition, and a roll-ed coverlet capable of containing a change of linen. Esmarch’s triangular bandage was served out as part of the kit of each man, but its application by the men was not ’necessary, as surgical assistance did not fail; this, however, does not lessen the value of the appliance. The Care of the Wounded. As a rule the wounded were attended immediately after the fight. Only on the 16th April, when 117 were wounded, was there any delay, and even then the severely injured Fresh meat, vegetables, milk, were in camp by midday. seltzer water, &c., were liberally supplied for their use. The splints of split bamboo were in many cases of complicated wounds of much service, but especially was the quantity of pasteboard valuable for hurried bandages. The plaster-of-Paris bandage could not be made to set either at the seashore ambulances or on board the hospital ship, a defect which must have been caused by the excess of atmospheric moisture, since the same material hardened perfectly when used on returning to Batavia. The tandus, as stretchers, were superior to all others; the wounded did not roll in them as on the broader ones, and two coolies were sufficient to carry them, besides which water could be brought in the hollow bamboo. The objection of their not affording an even surface for fractures of the lower extremity can be guarded against by the previous application of splints, and it is maintained that even unset fractures can be conveyed in them. If broken they can easily be replaced, and may be extemporised from mats or waterproof sheets. The hospital coolies ought always to be marked with a distinctive badge, as otherwise in the confusion of an engagement they mingle with the other coolies and disappear. The European hospital personnelle won by their courage and endurance unanimous commendation ; but for a big war
surgeon-in-chief strongly recommends that in future on shipboard the Europeans should be supplied with thin mattresses and pillows, and the natives with mats. The first night on shore found the troops without any protection, there being no time for extemporising huts OI special sanitary companies are indispensable. The principle of taking invalided men, unfit for active tents, besides which an immediate change of camp waE foreseen to be unavoidable from the proximity of a grave. service in the ranks, is in the highest degree reprehensible. The pronounced on the service rendered by the yard to the superficially lying ground-water of the locality. coolies judgment it to be necessary that for the hospital serproves In the new camp all kinds of skeleton huts were erected vice there should be well-disciplined soldiers, since only a as a defence against the heat, which was distressing more corps trained and schooled as other bodies of solhospital from its uniformity than its actual intensity. No unfavour. diers can perform the required duties. The opinions of able influence was noted in the camp of the field column, in all armies agree on this question, and military surgeons The waterproof sheets of the officers were very useful to it is to be that this universal accord will in time overhoped protect both from rain and from the ground-damp of the come existing prejudices. rice-fields. The troops while on board the steamers were excellently fed, according to the contract with the Netherlands and Ostend Steamship Company. From the first day of landing fresh meat was served out, and it was agreed between the authorities and the surgeonin-chief that live stock should be provided, so that once a week recently killed meat should be substituted for the Australian beef. It would be a most advisable thing that, in the rationing of troops, the salted and smoked flesh, aE bacon, &c., should be entirely replaced by Australian meat. The best drink for troops on the march was found to be cold tea; the dangerous properties of strange water are destroyed by boiling, and the objectionable taste of boiled water corrected by tea. On the return voyage, water brought from Padang by one of the invalid ships sent thither was for the most’part used. At the same time, on all ships it was ordered thai only cold tea should be drunk, and the very rare occurrence of diarrhœa speaks for the judiciousness of this rule. Alum
In the Ambulance. of sick and wounded to Batavia, evacuations timely By overcrowding of the ambulance on shore was prevented. It was capable of accommodating 100 patients, and only for three days, from the 16th to 19th April, were all the beds occupied. 97 sick in all were treated in the ambulance, not counting those detained only for one or two days before removal to the hospital-ship.
the
On the Hospital-ship. During the short time from the 22nd March to the 10th May 403 patients were treated ; of these 152 were cases of severe wounds. As a protection for sick a ship is, above all, the most undesirable, since only by the constant use of windsails, by forming side-wall openings, and by turning the ship square to the wind, could anything like adequate ventilation be secured. An additional evil was that the ship carried cargo as well as hospital equipment; planks and bamboos were stowed away in the damp hold,
authorities, and of these 371 only
were veterinary surgeons mentioned whether is not they were all qualified), 1021 (it 11 314 appeared to have possessed were officers of police, and Without inquiring no special qualification for the office." whether the police officers themselves possessed any special qualification, we may point out that less than one-fourth of the total number of inspectors were veterinary surgeons; and when we know that these are generally only called in pointed out. now and again to verify the existence of certain contagious DURING the past month no less than five ships have, diseases, and have, as a rule, nothing to do with tracing arrived in the Thames with cases of scurvy on board, and the history of these, nor advising as to their suppression, seven or eight of the victims have been admitted into the we need not be surprised that this malady in particular is Seamen’s Hospital. The medical inspector of the Board of just as active, and as free to spread, as if we had no Veteri. Trade has, by direction of the Marine Department, held nary Department and no inspectors. official inquiries in three of these cases, but the result has It appears to be imagined that anyone can perform the not yet been published. duties of an inspector, and that, as the police are already in pay, and their duties are not particularly heavy, they WE hear that cholera has broken out in the European might as well have this work thrown on them. We need camp at Delhi. It is, however, of a mild type, and it is scarcely say that a greater mistake could not be made. It confidently hoped that it will have disappeared long before requires well-trained and thoroughly competent veteri. the assembling of the troops forming a large part of our narians to perform the functions of an inspector efficiently; Indian army who are to meet the Prince of Wales outside the for not only have these subtle maladies to be thoroughly walls of the historic city. stamped out wherever and whenever they appear, but their IN the Athenceum for September 18th will be found an invasion or re-introduction has to be guarded against, and interesting article by Mr. Thoms on the Tring centenarian. their mode of access closely watched. Indeed, from what Mr. Thoms strives to demolish the evidence offered by Sir we know of these contagious diseases, and from what we Duncan Gibb in our columns towards establishing the see of the trade in animals and the manner in which it is conducted, we are convinced that nothing beneficial can be great age of Elizabeth Leathurlund. done until veterinary surgeons-and the very best of themA YOUNG gentleman has been prosecuted by the Colemine are appointed to take charge of districts at a liberal salary, Board of Guardians for exposing himself while convalescent with the view of protecting the public from the ravages of from searlatina. The Board deserves much credit for ap- these scourges. The attempts now made in this direction would be amusing were the results not so painfully serious. plying the law in this case. The Veterinary Department of the Privy Council must be IT is stated that the sanitary advisers of the Government roused up from its supineness and apathy, and made to see of India have recommended that Simla be abandoned for that its existence depends on its usefulness. Hitherto it has been of very little service to the country; it leaves three years on account of its unhealthiness. everything to the local authorities, and the majority of WE are requested by Mr. Cripps, of Cirencester, to say these either know or care little about the matter, or try to that it was the Weymouth Sanitarium to which he alluded get the work of inspection done for next to nothing. in his letter published in our columns last week. In the as the reforms which are so ,
’
’
-
-
meantime,
FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE. THE reports relative to the foot-and-mouth disease show that it has abated nothing of its virulence, and that it is widely prevalent in England and Scotland, causing great inconvenience and immense loss, and in many districts leading to the suppression of cattle-shows. It is not likely that it will be much diminished in prevalence for some time to come, and if we could arrive at anything like a correct estimate of the loss it has caused this year, we should probably find that it amounted to more than a million at the very least. In our previous article on the subject, we alluded to the principal causes which are in operation in extending this purely contagious malady, and we pointed out that the system of inspection-if such a designation can be applied where there is no system-is of very little value, inasmuch as the principal sanitary inspectors are the police-men no doubt worthy of reliance in their own special sphere, but neither by their knowledge nor training fit to be entrusted with the control or suppression of contagious diseases, either human or animal. The Annual Report of the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council for 1874 fully corroborates our statement in this particular, as we are informed that on the 31st December last there were 1706 inspectors holding appointments under the locali
likely
urgently
to be instituted until more millions of pounds are lost, it may be useful to indicate what should be done in the way of prevention or cure by those whose stock is menaced or already invaded by this 11 foot-andmouth" complaint. These indications we will summarise from Mr. Fleming’s 11 Manual of Veterinary Sanitary Science and Police." Newly-purchased animals, and especially those which have been exposed at fairs or markets, or travelled by boat or rail, should be quarantined in some convenient place apart from other stock, and no communication should take place between them for at least six days. Forage from infected districts should be interdicted, unless it is proved that it cannot possibly be tainted; and no persons or articles from infected stables or pastures should be allowed to go near healthy animals. As a rule, few animal diseases are more amenable to treatment, and still fewer exemplify the beneficial effects of hygienic measures, than this. When it has appeared, the sick animals, if at pasture, should be housed and allowed to stand on some soft material, such as sawdust. If they cannot be sheltered, then they ought to be put on firm grass land. Soft succulent food, mashes and nourishing gruel, must be the diet while the mouth is sore, and bran gruel, or water slightly acidulated, given to drink. If the fever runs high or constipation is present, treacle, Epsom salts, or common salt may be gently administered. Laving the mouth in cold water (which may be slightly acidulated) is grateful when
required
are
not
507 the eruption is slight, but when the erosions are extensive and painful, gargles of vinegar-and-water, hydrochloric acid, honey-and-water, or a weak solution of tannic or gallic acid (one ounce to the gallon) are necessary. Lime-water is a good dressing when the ulcers are deep. When the feet are affected, and even before they are involved, they may be dressed with carbolised glycerine, a weak solution of carbolic acid, or any mild astringent. It is frequently very beneficial to send the animals into a shallow running stream to bathe their feet; but when these are affected, it is better, as a rule, to allow the animals to rest as much as possible. When suppuration occurs beneath the hoof, or the feet are severely involved, it is advisable to procure the services of a
veterinary
surgeon.
Great cleanliness and thorough disinfection must be advocated, both during the prevalence of the disease and after it has disappeared. In many farms and cowsheds theactive germs of the malady are allowed to remain, and cause repeated outbreaks. But, we repeat, the therapeutical treatment of the disease is altogether a secondary affair ; its prevention and absolute extinction are what we must insist upon ; and the matter is now assuming such a grave aspect, both in a pecuniary and sanitary point of view, that we feel convinced that nothing less than an efficient organisation to effect this object, and to stamp out other serious animal contagions, will now satisfy the public. The present temporising policy with regard to these destructive pestilences has been tried for now nearly ten years, and has proved notoriously useless. It is high time a common-sense view was taken of the matter, and measures adopted which would relieve us from these heavy annual losses and panics.
THE MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE DUTCH WAR AGAINST ATCHEEN IN 1873. (Concluded from
page
453.)
Sanitary Experiences of the Expedition. THE
of clearing water was rejected, purification by sesquichloride of iron and bicarbonate of soda being substias a means
tuted. In clothing and equipment there is much room for improvement. The use of sun-covers to the ordinary head-dress is much to be condemned, since the back piece hanging down obstructs the air and heats the back of the neck, besides which, from being too broad and too long, they enclose the ears, and the words of command are not heard. For this reason many of the men put up the back pieces. For
service such as this wicker helmets should invariably be procured. The haversack was also a great hindrance, since by swinging to and fro it impeded the man’s progress ; and it is only fair that when engaged against an unencumbered enemy, as here, the men should be relieved of all impediments, carrying only their weapons and ammunition, and a roll-ed coverlet capable of containing a change of linen. Esmarch’s triangular bandage was served out as part of the kit of each man, but its application by the men was not ’necessary, as surgical assistance did not fail; this, however, does not lessen the value of the appliance. The Care of the Wounded. As a rule the wounded were attended immediately after the fight. Only on the 16th April, when 117 were wounded, was there any delay, and even then the severely injured Fresh meat, vegetables, milk, were in camp by midday. seltzer water, &c., were liberally supplied for their use. The splints of split bamboo were in many cases of complicated wounds of much service, but especially was the quantity of pasteboard valuable for hurried bandages. The plaster-of-Paris bandage could not be made to set either at the seashore ambulances or on board the hospital ship, a defect which must have been caused by the excess of atmospheric moisture, since the same material hardened perfectly when used on returning to Batavia. The tandus, as stretchers, were superior to all others; the wounded did not roll in them as on the broader ones, and two coolies were sufficient to carry them, besides which water could be brought in the hollow bamboo. The objection of their not affording an even surface for fractures of the lower extremity can be guarded against by the previous application of splints, and it is maintained that even unset fractures can be conveyed in them. If broken they can easily be replaced, and may be extemporised from mats or waterproof sheets. The hospital coolies ought always to be marked with a distinctive badge, as otherwise in the confusion of an engagement they mingle with the other coolies and disappear. The European hospital personnelle won by their courage and endurance unanimous commendation ; but for a big war
surgeon-in-chief strongly recommends that in future on shipboard the Europeans should be supplied with thin mattresses and pillows, and the natives with mats. The first night on shore found the troops without any protection, there being no time for extemporising huts OI special sanitary companies are indispensable. The principle of taking invalided men, unfit for active tents, besides which an immediate change of camp waE foreseen to be unavoidable from the proximity of a grave. service in the ranks, is in the highest degree reprehensible. The pronounced on the service rendered by the yard to the superficially lying ground-water of the locality. coolies judgment it to be necessary that for the hospital serproves In the new camp all kinds of skeleton huts were erected vice there should be well-disciplined soldiers, since only a as a defence against the heat, which was distressing more corps trained and schooled as other bodies of solhospital from its uniformity than its actual intensity. No unfavour. diers can perform the required duties. The opinions of able influence was noted in the camp of the field column, in all armies agree on this question, and military surgeons The waterproof sheets of the officers were very useful to it is to be that this universal accord will in time overhoped protect both from rain and from the ground-damp of the come existing prejudices. rice-fields. The troops while on board the steamers were excellently fed, according to the contract with the Netherlands and Ostend Steamship Company. From the first day of landing fresh meat was served out, and it was agreed between the authorities and the surgeonin-chief that live stock should be provided, so that once a week recently killed meat should be substituted for the Australian beef. It would be a most advisable thing that, in the rationing of troops, the salted and smoked flesh, aE bacon, &c., should be entirely replaced by Australian meat. The best drink for troops on the march was found to be cold tea; the dangerous properties of strange water are destroyed by boiling, and the objectionable taste of boiled water corrected by tea. On the return voyage, water brought from Padang by one of the invalid ships sent thither was for the most’part used. At the same time, on all ships it was ordered thai only cold tea should be drunk, and the very rare occurrence of diarrhœa speaks for the judiciousness of this rule. Alum
In the Ambulance. of sick and wounded to Batavia, evacuations timely By overcrowding of the ambulance on shore was prevented. It was capable of accommodating 100 patients, and only for three days, from the 16th to 19th April, were all the beds occupied. 97 sick in all were treated in the ambulance, not counting those detained only for one or two days before removal to the hospital-ship.
the
On the Hospital-ship. During the short time from the 22nd March to the 10th May 403 patients were treated ; of these 152 were cases of severe wounds. As a protection for sick a ship is, above all, the most undesirable, since only by the constant use of windsails, by forming side-wall openings, and by turning the ship square to the wind, could anything like adequate ventilation be secured. An additional evil was that the ship carried cargo as well as hospital equipment; planks and bamboos were stowed away in the damp hold,